Container closure and closing cap having contoured bail handles

ABSTRACT

A unitary threaded closing cap for a closure includes a body having a sidewall and a top panel and at least one bail handle unitarily joined to the top panel wherein the at least one bail handle is arranged in three sections, including an intermediate section and opposing end sections, the intermediate section including a shaped portion that extends above the top panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to container closures andclosure assemblies that include a nestable and extendable spout and athreaded closing cap. More specifically, the present invention relatesto the construction and arrangement of the threaded closing cap and thelifting (bail) handles that are integrally molded as part of thethreaded closing cap. Further, an arcuate band is fabricated as anintegral portion of the closing cap that is threadedly assembled to thenestable and extendable spout.

In order to manually lift the spout from a nested position to anextended position, the handles of the closing cap are grasped by theuser. As such, the construction and arrangement of the lifting (bail)handles and their relationship to the remainder of the closing capbecomes important. Due to the hinged and pivoting construction andarrangement of the pair of lifting handles, as disclosed herein, thesehandles are described as “bail handles”.

Container closures and closure assemblies of the type generallydescribed herein often include some tamper-evident feature incorporatinga plurality of frangible elements. One such product has been offered byRieke Corporation of Auburn, Ind., under its FLEXSPOUT® trademark. Thisproduct includes a tamper-evident cap and a closure body with a nestableand extendable spout. The tamper-evident cap threads onto the threadedend of the spout and the cap must be removed in order to gain access tothe contents of the container (drum) via the interior of the spout. Inone arrangement, the closure body is received by a raised surrounding(annular) wall that defines the container opening and when used on ametal drum end, the closure includes an annular retaining (ring) member(i.e., retainer) that fits over an outer wall portion of the closurebody and, by crimping the metal ring, secures the outer wall portion tothe surrounding wall that defines the container opening.

In other arrangements that are suitable for the closure assembly of thepresent invention, different styles of containers and openings are used.Some closure assembly constructions further include a series offrangible elements that connect a pair of bail handles that are used toextend the spout along with the remainder of the cap. When a plasticdrum or container receives a FLEXSPOUT® closure, the tamper-evident capincludes an outer annular portion that snaps over an outer wall portionof the closure body and secures the outer wall portion to thesurrounding wall that defines the container opening. A series offrangible elements connects the outer annular portion of thetamper-evident cap with the remainder of the cap body, principally witha pair of bail handles that are used to lift and extend the spout.

Whether the bail handles are interconnected with the remainder of theclosing cap by frangible elements or are freely hinged, the shape andpositioning of the bail handles is a relevant factor in the overalldesign. There is a desire to construct and arrange the bail handles sothat they can be readily located and easily gasped by the user.Selective shaping or contouring of the bail handles, as well as theoverall sizing of the bail handles according to the present disclosureprovides ergonomic and functional advantages, as described herein.

Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to an alternativetamper-evident structure that cooperates with the bail handles. Over theyears, as others have tried to imitate the Rieke FLEXSPOUT® closure, themarket has provided more choices to consumers, but at a cost. Some ofthe flexible closing spout imitations do not provide design reliabilityand predictability. The result is the possibility for some of thetamper-evident frangible elements to be broken at the time of thecapping operation. Once customers learn that the frangible elements canbe broken without a tampering attempt, these customers begin to pay lessattention to the status of the closure. This in turn runs the risk ofcompromising the efficacy of using frangible elements, at least in theminds of the end user consumers. In other instances with the imitationclosures, the frangible elements are hard to see and difficult todetermine if one or more of these frangible elements are actuallybroken.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a tamper-evidentportion, shaped as an arcuate band, that begins in a tucked andgenerally concealed orientation by being deflected downwardly in betweenthe closing cap and an outer portion of the spout, and up against aninner surface of the metal retainer. This tamper-evident band is thendeployed at the time of initial opening so that a majority of the bandincluding its upper surface are visible and this in turn provides a wayto alert the end user, for example, of any tampering attempt. Thistamper-evident band replaces the use of any frangible elements as theonly means of determining whether or not a tampering attempt has beenmade. Further, there is no risk that the capping operation could everdeploy the tucked in tamper-evident band. As a result, the end user canrely on the closure status as an absolute guarantee for alerting the enduser of any tampering attempt. Any attempt by an unauthorized individualto raise the bail handles of the closing cap in order to either removethe closing cap and/or extend the spout will pull the tamper-evidentband (portion) out of its tucked and generally concealed initialorientation and this tamper-evident band will be visible to the enduser, putting that end user on notice that some tampering attempt mayhave been made. This tamper-evident band, in combination with thecontoured bail handles, creates a unique construction for a threadedclosing cap.

Due to the tucked position of the tamper-evident band as it is initiallyassembled, and the importance of deploying the band, the ease of use ofthe bail handles takes on added importance. It is important to enhancethe grasping or gripping of the handles due to the added resistanceadded by the tamper-evident band(s).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A closure assembly for a container, the container including a dispensingopening, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprisesa closure body including a nestable and extendable spout, the spoutdefining an outlet opening, a unitary closing cap constructed andarranged for assembly to the spout for closing off the outlet opening,the closing cap including at least one movable bail handle with a raisedsection located between hinged ends.

One object of the present disclosure is to describe an improvedcontainer closure and closing cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view, in full section, of a containerclosure and closing cap combination according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 1 combination.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 1 container closure withthe closing cap removed and the closure spout extended.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 3 container closure.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the FIG. 1 closing cap, as assembled.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the FIG. 5 closing cap, as unassembled.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the FIG. 6 closing cap.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 6 closing cap.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 6closing cap, as viewed along line 9-9 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 6closing cap, as viewed along line 10-10 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 1combination with the spout in an extended orientation.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view, in full section, of a raisedcontainer outlet wall defining an outlet opening of a metal container.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view, in full section, of a raisedcontainer outlet wall defining an outlet opening of a plastic container.

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 1closure assembly without the FIG. 1 container.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged, front elevational view, in full section, of oneportion of the FIG. 14 closure assembly.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view, in full section, of a metalretainer comprising one component part of the FIG. 1 closure assembly,according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the entire FIG. 16 retainer.

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 1closure assembly after the bail handles have been released from thelifted orientation.

FIG. 19 is a partial, front elevational view, in full section, of aplastic container opening for receipt of a closure assembly according tothe present invention.

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view, in full section, of a containerclosure and closing cap combination, according to the present invention,as assembled onto the FIG. 19 container, by threaded engagement.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the FIG. 20 combination.

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of an alternative closing capaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 22closing cap as viewed in a plane 90 degrees to the FIG. 22 orientation.

FIG. 24 is a front elevational view, in full section, of anotheralternative closing cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a front elevational view of another alternative closing capaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 25closing cap as viewed in a plane 90 degrees to the FIG. 25 orientation.

FIG. 27 is a front elevational view, in full section, of anotheralternative closing cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a front elevational view of another alternative closing capaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 28closing cap as viewed in a plane 90 degrees to the FIG. 28 orientation.

FIG. 30 is a front elevational view, in full section, of anotheralternative closing cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a front elevational view, in full section, of anotheralternative closing cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 31 closing cap as viewedin a plane 90 degrees to the FIG. 31 orientation.

FIG. 33 is a front elevational view, in full section, of anotheralternative closing cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a front elevational view of another alternative closing capaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 34closing cap as viewed in a plane 90 degrees to the FIG. 34 orientation.

FIG. 36 is a front elevational view, in full section, of anotheralternative closing cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a front elevational view of another alternative closing capaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 37closing cap as viewed in a plane 90 degrees to the FIG. 37 orientation.

FIG. 39 is a front elevational view, in full section, of anotheralternative closing cap according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, there is illustrated a closure assembly 20according to the present invention. Closure assembly 20 is constructedand arranged for secure connection to or into an outlet opening definingstructure 19 whether a raised annular outlet wall or a container openingedge or some other opening configuration (see FIG. 12). The definedoutlet opening is positioned within the end of a corresponding containeror drum 19 a. The upper surface 19 b of container end 19 c is planar andsurrounds the raised annular outlet wall 19. The raised outlet wall 19defining the outlet opening of a metal drum end is further illustratedin FIG. 3. The closure assembly 20, as described herein, can becompatibly configured for secure connection to the raised outlet wall 21(defining the outlet opening) of a plastic drum end, see FIG. 13.However, for the FIGS. 1-6 embodiment, the raised drum end outlet wall19 is metal, see FIG. 12.

Closure assembly 20 includes a closure body 22, tamper-evident closingcap 23, and annular metal retainer 24. Each of these three componentparts constitutes a unitary component with the closure body 22 beingmolded out of plastic, tamper-evident closing cap 23 being molded out ofplastic, and retainer 24 being formed as a unitary component out ofmetal. The details of the closure body 22 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.The details of the tamper-evident closing cap 23 are illustrated inFIGS. 5-10. The details of the metal ring retainer 24 are illustrated inFIGS. 16 and 17. Additionally, closure assembly 20 including closurebody 22, closing cap 23, and retainer 24 is illustrated in FIG. 11 andin FIGS. 14 and 15, without the container end or outlet opening. Whilethe FIG. 15 illustration provides an enlarged detail, one point to bederived from the FIG. 14 illustration is that the closure assembly canbe preassembled, as illustrated, and then applied to the raised outletwall of the container end for crimping of the retainer so as to anchorthe closure body to the outlet wall.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-6, and considering the priorremarks, it will be seen that closure assembly 20 assembles onto theformed and raised outlet wall 19 that defines outlet opening 27. Theclosure body 22 includes an annular outlet lip 28 formed with aninverted annular channel 29. The annular channel 29 fits over and aroundoutlet wall 19, see FIG. 1. Once the closure body 22 and outlet wall 19are assembled in this manner, noting that the annular metal retainer 24is preassembled to the closure body, this positions the metal retainer24 over and around the outer lip 28. The next step is to crimp the metalretainer 24 so as to securely and tightly clamp the outer lip 28 ontoand around the outlet wall 19, creating a sealed interface and a secureannular connection.

The tamper-evident closing cap 23 is internally threaded and thedispensing end 30 of the nestable and extendable spout 31 of closurebody 22 is externally threaded for receipt of the closing cap 23. Theclosing cap 23 can be threaded onto spout 31 either before or after theclosure body is crimped onto outlet wall 19 by the use of metal retainer24. However, in terms of an initial subassembly of closure assembly 20with its three component parts, the metal retainer 24 would bepreassembled onto the closure body.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the raised outlet wall 19 that definesoutlet opening 27 includes a curved upper edge 34 and a depending innerlip 35. The annular channel 29 of the closure has a compatible interiorgeometry relative to the curvature of edge 34 and this facilitates thecrimping operation using the metal retainer 24. In FIG. 13, the outletopening 36 is defined by raised outlet wall 21. The unitary plasticconstruction of the outlet wall 21 and drum (or container) end 38provides the curved upper edge 39 by means of its molding process. Whena plastic drum is being used, one alternative design is to modify thetamper-evident cap with an outer annular portion that snaps over thecombination of the closure body and outlet wall. This outer annularportion of the cap replaces the metal retainer 24.

With continued reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the outlet wall 19 isformed with an undercut or relief 42 below the curved upper edge. Asimilar relief 43 is molded into outlet wall 21. These reliefs 42 and 43provide a clearance space for the movement of material of the annularchannel 29 as the crimping operation applied to the metal retainer 24takes place. These reliefs 42 and 43 also help to prevent any chance ofpulling the closure body 22 off of the raised outlet wall 19 as theclosure body spout 31 is extended from its nested orientation by pullingupwardly in an axial direction the bail handles 44 and 45 of the closingcap 23.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-6, closure body 22 includes aninvertible fold 48 that reverses its orientation when changing theclosure body from a nested orientation (see FIG. 1) to an extendedorientation (see FIG. 3). Closure body 22 also includes a tear-outdiaphragm 49 with a unitary pull ring 50. A weakened annular score line51 or an annular severable membrane surrounds the diaphragm 49 andconnects the outer edge of the diaphragm to the inner surface 52 of thespout 31. The pull ring 50 is joined to one edge portion of diaphragm 49and by pulling upwardly on ring 50, the diaphragm 49 is able to be tornout of the interior of spout 31. This tearing out is accomplished bycausing the annular score line (or membrane) to sever. As an alternativeto the use of pull ring 50, this diaphragm could be cut free from itsunitary connection with spout 31. However, the use of pull ring 50 isbelieved to be preferred and, due to the weakened score line ormembrane, continued pulling on ring 50 causes the entire diaphragm 49 toseparate from within spout 31. The unitary molding of closure body 22includes the unitary construction of pull ring 50 and diaphragm 49. Thismolding of a suitable plastic material is performed in a manner thatpositions the connecting post 50 a of the pull ring 50 with a generallyvertical orientation. The mold design also orients the pull ring 50 witha slight incline. Based in part on where the diaphragm 49 is placedaxially within spout 31 and based in part on the angle of incline ofpull ring 50 and based in part on the height of post 50 a, the free end50 b of pull ring 50 extends above the upper edge 31 a of spout 31. Whenthe tamper-evident cap 23 (see FIGS. 6-10) is threaded onto the spout31, the upper edge 31 a pushes into annular channel 60 with a snug fit.The thickness of the cylindrical section 53 relative to the radial widthof channel 60 causes flexible wall 61 to flex and apply pressure to theinner surface 52 of spout 31 (see FIG. 1).

The spout 31 can be considered as having two sections, an inner,generally cylindrical, section 53 and an outer, frustoconical, section54. These two sections are separated by the invertible fold 48. Theouter section 54 includes a series of venting ears 57 that arepositioned at fold 58 and depend in an axially downward direction whenthe closure body 22 is in its nested orientation. When the closure body22, specifically the spout 31, is extended, the fold 58 moves and flipsthe venting ears 57 into a lateral orientation, see FIGS. 3 and 4. Interms of the directions referenced herein, FIG. 1 represents thetypical, upright orientation and centerline 59 represents thelongitudinal axis through the geometric center of the closure assembly20. As used herein, an axial direction is parallel to centerline 59 anda lateral direction is perpendicular to centerline 59.

When the tamper-evident closing cap 23 is fully threaded onto spout 31(see FIG. 14), the inner surface 62 pushes down on the free end 50 b ofthe pull ring 50. However, due to the elastic properties of the plasticused for the closure body 22, once the tamper-evident closing cap 23 isremoved, the pull ring 50 flexes (pivots) upwardly so that the free end50 b is returned to its free state, slightly above the upper edge 31 aof spout 31, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The illustrated free state ofpull ring 50 orients the free end 50 b slightly above upper edge 31 a.By positioning the diaphragm 49 at its illustrated location and by theconstruction and arrangement of the pull ring 50, the pull ring is moreaccessible and easier to grasp when compared to earlier designs thatrecess the diaphragm and pull ring farther down (axially) into thespout.

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 5-10 and with continued referenceto FIGS. 1-4, closing cap 23 is illustrated in detail. Closing cap 23includes a body having a sidewall 23 a and a top panel 23 b. Closing cap23 further includes, as part of its unitary, molded plasticconstruction, a pair of oppositely-disposed bail handles 44 and 45. Eachbail handle 44 and 45 is joined to the remainder of the closing cap 23,specifically to the top panel 23 b, by living hinges 67 and 68,respectively. As is illustrated, each bail handle 44 and 45 issymmetrically constructed relative to the other bail handle. Each bailhandle 44 and 45 effectively begins at one end at the centerline ofhinge 67 and extends to its opposite end that coincides with thecenterline of hinge 68. Both bail handles 44 and 45 are commonly joined(unitarily molded) to hinge 67 and to hinge 68.

As initially configured, prior to any opening of the closure assembly,the bail handles 44 and 45 lay in a down or closed condition, generallyadjacent the inner, upper edge of retainer 24. Each bail handle ismolded and shaped with a contoured section 44 a and 45 a, respectively.A portion of each center section 44 a and 45 a axially extends abovesaid top panel 23 b. These contoured sections are an important designaspect that will be described in greater detail hereinafter, including avariety of functionally equivalent design alternatives.

Surrounding the bail handles 44 and 45 and unitarily joined therewith aspart of the molded plastic construction of cap 23 is an arcuate,flexible “warning” flap 69. Flap 69 is constructed and arranged for amessage to be screened, embossed, or otherwise marked in some fashion,depending on the intended use and circumstances relating to closureassembly 20. Since it may be possible to provide a suitable closureassembly with only one bail handle, the flexible “warning” flap isdescribed as being arcuate in form. It is though contemplated by thepresent invention that, with the use of two contoured bail handles 44and 45, as illustrated, there are preferably two arcuate flaps(sections) 69. One flap 69 extends around a portion of each bail handle,generally centered on hinge 67. The other flap 69 is similarly arrangedrelative to hinge 68. Neither flap 69 extends below the center contouredsection of each bail handle so as to leave maximum clearance for theuser to insert a finger (or thumb) tip. Each flap 69 includes a freeedge 69 a, 69 b that is angled outwardly at a 30 degree angle relativeto the axial (vertical) centerline. Flap 69 that is centered on hinge 68includes opposite free edges 69 a. Flap 69 that is centered on hinge 67includes opposite free edges 69 b. The notch below each contouredsection 44 a and 44 b is defined by one free edge 69 a and one free edge69 b. This 30 degree angle creates a circumferentially wider notch areaadjacent the lower edge of each flap 69, tapering inwardly as the notchapproaches the bail handle 44 or 45.

Flap 69, whether as an annular form or as an arcuate section, or as twoarcuate sections, is initially deflected and tucked down into the spacebetween the bail handles and the metal retainer 24, up against theannular inner wall 70 of the metal retainer 24, as illustrated in FIGS.14 and 15. The outer radial lip 69 c of each flap 69 is positioned(tucked) beneath the bend 70 a at the lower end of inner wall 70.Further reference herein to “flap 69” is intended to refer to andencompass both flaps 69. In this deflected, tucked, and insertedcondition, whatever writing or marking or embossment may be displayed onthe upper surface of flap 69, that information will not be visible and,for the most part, flap 69 is not visible except for a small portionthat is shown as connecting (unitarily) to the corresponding bailhandle. However, when the bail handles 44 and 45 are lifted, see FIGS.11 and 18, the flap 69 deploys and not only the flap, but the uppersurface of the flap becomes visible. This means that the end user canread whatever message, information, or warning has been placed on theupper surface of the flap and it is intended that this upper surfacewould be used for a warning and as an alert to advise the end user thata tampering attempt may have occurred if the flap 69 is deployed. Thisis why the flap 69 is described as being a tamper-evident, deployableflap.

While the deployment of flap 69, even without any markings, writings, ormessage, would still indicate an attempt to tamper with the containercontents, or at least an attempt to open the closure assembly, theaddition of some type of warning or alert message directly onto the flapprovides an added reminder to the end user and helps to reinforce theunderstanding that, if the flap 69 is out of its tucked or insertedcondition, the end user should be aware that someone, at some time“upstream”, lifted the bail handles and the only reason to do so wouldbe an attempt to open the closure assembly. The use of flap 69 providesa different style of tamper evidencing and thus the reason to select theterm “warning” in describing the construction and use of flap 69. Theintended message is some type of statement or explanation that if flap69 is deployed, be careful when dispensing and using the contents of thecontainer.

When the bail handles 44 and 45 are secured by some type of frangibleelement connection, that style of connection could serve as anotherindicator of a tampering attempt. However, that tamper-evident techniquewould typically not be as visible and not as pronounced as the use offlap 69. Further, some of the products that are currently on the marketas an imitation of the Rieke FLEXSPOUT® product may include brokenfrangible elements due to the manner of construction and design and thepresence of broken frangible elements when there has not been anytampering attempt tends to desensitize the end user to the significanceof the frangible elements. Preferably frangible elements are not usedfor either of the bail handles 44 and 45.

The tear-out diaphragm 49 can also serve as another indicator of atampering attempt if the end user knows and can always remember that thetear-out diaphragm 49 should be present on the interior of spout 31 andshould be completely secured to the spout around its entire insidediameter. Even with these alternatives for tamper indicating measures,the use of warning flap 69 is believed to be preferred in that the onlyway to actually defeat flap 69 is to cut it off completely and with anear perfect, completely smooth edge. That becomes a very difficult, ifnot virtually impossible task, considering the size, shape, and materialof flap 69 and the time and tools available to the individualconsidering a tampering attempt. Even if the end user may not know orrecall that a warning flap should be present, a jagged cut edge willcertainly put that end user on notice that something is wrong, or atleast may be wrong.

In use, whether or not the bail handles 44 and 45 are each secured in adown (closed) orientation by a frangible element, the living hinge andthe initially molded condition positions the bail handles down andadjacent the inner, upper edge of retainer 24. The orientation of thetwo bail handles positions them adjacent to and slightly above the uppersurface 24 a of metal retainer (ring) 24. The raised center section 44a, 45 a is axially higher than the hinged sections. However, when thebail handles are lifted as the only effective way to either remove theclosing cap 23 and/or extend spout 31, the living hinges 67 and 68experience a slight plastic deformation. This causes the bail handles 44and 45 to remain slightly raised, see FIG. 18, even after releasing thelifting bail handles and threading the closing cap 23 back onto spout 31and/or after nesting spout 31. If there was an attempt to try and refoldor reinsert flap 69 back into its initial FIG. 1 or FIG. 15 condition,the set or deformation experienced by the living hinges for bail handles44 and 45 still returns those bail handles to the raised FIG. 18orientation and this pulls the flap 69 out of its tucked or insertedcondition, thereby continuing to expose the flap and the upper surfaceof flap 69 including any message or writing thereon. Even if the designof the bail handles and the living hinges, and considering the selectionof plastic, would enable the bail handles to return to a planarcondition, it would still not be possible to re-tuck the deployableflap(s). The thought here is that the circular form of the flap or thearcuate forms of the flap sections, considering the elasticity ofplastic, would prevent someone from re-folding and re-tucking the flapor flaps back into their starting orientation.

Referring now to FIGS. 19, 20, and 21, closure assembly 91 isconstructed and arranged to thread onto a raised (plastic),externally-threaded outlet wall 102 that defines dispensing opening 103.The container end 104 is formed with a recessed panel 104 a so that theclosure assembly 91, once applied, will be substantially flush with theouter surface of the container end 104.

Closure assembly 91 is virtually identical to closure assembly 20 exceptfor the elimination of metal retainer 24 and changing the shape andconfiguration of the outer lip 28. Otherwise, the closing cap 105 isidentical to closing cap 23, including all structural features,materials, dimensions and relationships for the cap body, the bailhandles, and flap. Flap 106 is identical to flap 69 and is initiallyfolded and tucked into position in substantially the same way as flap69. Flap 106 also deploys in the same way as flap 69 when the bailhandle or handles 107 are lifted as part of the process to extend thespout 108 from its nested orientation.

The annular outer lip 109 of closure body 110 is configured with aninternally-threaded, depending annular wall 111. The threaded wall 111is constructed and arranged to tightly and securely thread onto outletwall 102 (see FIG. 20).

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 5-10, and as already described,closing cap 23 includes hinged bail handles 44 and 45. Each bail handleis molded with a contoured center section 44 a and 45 a, respectively.Since bail handles 44 and 45 are essentially identical in form, fit, andfunction, including their contoured center sections 44 a and 45 a, thespecifics are described in the context of bail handle 44.

Each bail handle has a generally part-circular or part-cylindricalarcuate form extending between living hinges 67 and 68. The livinghinges 67 and 68 are diametrically opposite such that their centerlines,67 a and 68 a, respectively, are coincident with the diameter linethrough the axis of closing cap 23.

Considering the generally semicircular or semi-cylindrical shape of bailhandle 44, and the same for bail handle 45, it will be appreciated thatbail handle 44 includes a first end section 120, an opposite end section121, and a contoured center section 44 a that is symmetrically centeredbetween sections 120 and 121. In terms of circumferential extent ormeasurement, beginning at hinge centerline 67 a to the start of section44 a, this circumferential arc distance is approximately one-third (⅓)of the distance from hinge centerline 67 a to hinge centerline 68 a andthus the included angle measures approximately sixty degrees (60°) whichis approximately one-third of the 180 degree circumferential measurementbetween the two hinge centerlines. The symmetrical positioning ofsection 44 a means that the circumferential distance from the end ofsection 44 a to hinge 68 centerline 68 a measures approximately sixtydegrees (60°). This in turn means that the center section 44 a accountsfor the remaining one-third of that 180 degree circumferentialmeasurement. The flaps 69 do not extend below the center section ofeither bail handle.

The curved or rounded shape of center section 44 a creates a concaveclearance space 122 that is defined by the curved undersurface 123 ofcenter section 44 a. Broken line 124 is co-planar with the undersurfaceof sections 120 and 121 and line 124 essentially defines the lower edgeof space 122. This clearance space 122, combined with the raised, curvedcenter section 44 a provides a convenient structure for a finger orthumb tip of the user to be inserted for initiating the lifting of thecorresponding bail handle 44 (or 45).

As explained, for the manipulation of the spout for dispensing, the bailhandles 44 and 45 are first lifted (pivoted) from their folded or closedcondition, see FIG. 1, to a raised position starting as in FIG. 18 andending as in FIG. 11. With the closing cap 23 fully threaded onto thenested spout, the raised (lifted) bail handles provide a structure thatis suitable to be used for pulling upwardly on the spout, moving it froma nested orientation to an extended orientation. The bail handles arealso suitable to be used as a convenient way of unscrewing the closingcap 23 from the dispensing spout.

Another structural form or feature of each bail handle 44 and 45 interms of its size, shape, and contour, and its positioning andrelationship with the remainder of the closure assembly including metalring retainer 24, is the angle of incline of the uppermost portion 127of center section 44 a. Referring to FIGS. 1, 6 and 9, the raised andangled (inclined) configuration of each center section 44 a is fullyillustrated. The raised and angled bail handle configuration, incooperation with the clearance space 122, helps in facilitating thelifting of each bail handle 44 and 45. It is intended for theundersurface 128 of each end section 120 and 121 to be positioned so asto be anywhere from between co-planar to raised above the upper surface129 of ring retainer 24. This allows both visibility and access to theunderside surface 123 of center section 44 a.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-39, variations in the construction andarrangement of other contoured or shaped bail handles for a closing capfor a closure are illustrated. The focus is on creating a raised portionas part of each bail handle that is shaped and oriented so as to providea clearance space beneath the raised portion for a finger tip or thumbtip to be inserted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 22-39, some of the possible variations anddesign options for shaped or contoured bail handles include differentlyshaped center section designs and center sections that have a greateraxial height. Another possible design variation is to form the shapedsection with a different inclined angle. Yet another possible designvariation, although not illustrated, is to locate the “center” sectionoff-center or in a non-symmetrical location, i.e., closer to one hingepoint than the other hinge point. Further design variations for the bailhandles include the size in lateral section of the bail handle or, at aminimum, of the shaped section of the bail handle.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a unitary, molded plastic closing cap 140constructed and arranged with a pair of hinged bail handles 141. Exceptfor the specific size, shape, and contours of the bail handles 141,closing cap 140 is constructed and arranged the same as closing cap 23.More specifically, each bail handle 141 is shaped with a more elongatedcurved center section 142 in terms of its circumferential arc lengthrelative to the overall length between the two opposing hinge points.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a first variation to closing cap 140 isprovided by closing cap 150. The bail handles 151 of closing cap 150 areidentical to bail handles 141 of closing cap 140, except that theupwardly and outwardly inclined shape of the center section 152 is moreupright than with center section 142.

Referring to now to FIGS. 25 and 26, a second variation to closing cap140 is provided by closing cap 160. The bail handles 161 of closing cap160 are identical to bail handles 141 of closing cap 140, except thatthe overall axial height of curved center section 162 relative to theupper surface of the closing cap 160 is higher than that of centersection 142 relative to the upper surface of closing cap 140.

Referring to FIG. 27, a third variation to closing cap 140 is providedby closing cap 170. The bail handles 171, including center section 172,incorporate both of the two prior design modifications. These includethe design modification provided as part of bail handles 151 (moreupright inclined angle) and that provided as part of bail handles 161(increased axial height).

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate a unitary, molded plastic closing cap 180constructed and arranged with a pair of hinged bail handles 181. Exceptfor the specific size, shape, and contours of the bail handles 181,closing cap 180 is constructed and arranged the same as closing cap 23.More specifically, each bail handle 181 is shaped with a more elongatedcenter section 182 and that center section is more rectangular thanconvex. In other words, the curved upper surface seen as part of theoriginal disclosure for closing cap 23 and for closing cap 140 isreplaced with a substantially flat and straight upper surface and sidesthat are more flat and straight than curved. The sides have theappearance of ramp sections that are straight and inclined upwardly andinwardly.

Referring now to FIG. 30, a first variation to closing cap 180 isprovided by closing cap 190. The bail handles 191 of closing cap 190 areidentical to bail handles 181 of closing cap 180, except that theupwardly and outwardly inclined shape of the center section 192 is moreupright than with center section 182.

Referring to now to FIGS. 31 and 32, a second variation to closing cap180 is provided by closing cap 200. The bail handles 201 of closing cap200 are identical to bail handles 181 of closing cap 180, except thatthe overall axial height of center section 202 relative to the uppersurface of the closing cap 200 is higher than that of center section 182relative to the upper surface of closing cap 180.

Referring to FIG. 33, a third variation to closing cap 180 is providedby closing cap 210. The bail handles 211, including center section 212,incorporate both of the two prior design modifications. These includethe design modification provided as part of bail handles 191 (moreupright inclined angle) and that provided as part of bail handles 201(increased axial height).

FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate a unitary, molded plastic closing cap 220constructed and arranged with a pair of hinged bail handles 221. Exceptfor the specific size, shape, and contours of the bail handles 221,closing cap 220 is constructed and arranged the same as closing cap 23.More specifically, each bail handle 221 is shaped with a center section222 that is more rectangular than convex. In other words, the curvedupper surface seen as part of the original disclosure for closing cap 23and for closing cap 140 is replaced with a substantially flat uppersurface and sides that are more flat than curved.

Referring now to FIG. 36, another variation to closing cap 220 isprovided by closing cap 230. The bail handles 231 of closing cap 230 areidentical to bail handles 221 of closing cap 220, except that theupwardly and outwardly inclined shape of the center section 222 is moreupright than with center section 220.

Referring to now to FIGS. 37 and 38, a further variation to closing cap220 is provided by closing cap 240. The bail handles 241 of closing cap240 are identical to bail handles 221 of closing cap 220, except thatthe overall axial height of center section 242 relative to the uppersurface of the closing cap 240 is higher than that of center section 222relative to the upper surface of closing cap 220.

Referring to FIG. 39, a further variation to closing cap 220 is providedby closing cap 250. The bail handles 251, including center section 252,incorporate both of the two prior design modifications. These includethe design modification provided as part of bail handles 231 (moreupright inclined angle) and that provided as part of bail handles 241(increased axial height).

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected.

1. A unitary threaded closing cap for a closure comprising: a bodyincluding a sidewall and a top panel; and at least one bail handleunitarily joined to said body and being constructed and arranged to belifted from a close condition to a raised position, said at least onebail handle being arranged in three sections, including a contouredintermediate section and opposing end sections, the contouredintermediate section including a raised portion that extends above saidtop panel when said at least one bail handle is in said closedcondition, said raised portion including an undersurface whichcooperates with said body to define a clearance space therebetween whensaid at least one bail handle is in said closed condition.
 2. Theclosing cap of claim 1 which further includes a second bail handleunitarily joined to said body and being constructed and arranged to belifted from a close condition to a raised position, said second bailhandle being arranged in three sections, including a contouredintermediate section and opposing end sections, the contouredintermediate section including a raised portion that extends above saidtop panel when said second bail handle is in said closed condition, saidraised portion including an undersurface which cooperates with said bodyto define a clearance space therebetween when said at least one bailhandle is in said closed condition.
 3. The closing cap of claim 2wherein a first end of each bail handle is commonly joined to a firsthinge section.
 4. The closing cap of claim 3 wherein a second end ofeach bail handle is commonly joined to a second hinge section.
 5. Theclosing cap of claim 2 wherein the undersurface of said raised portionof each bail handle is concave.
 6. The closing cap of claim 2 whereinthe undersurface of said raised portion of each bail handle is straight.7. The closing cap of claim 6 wherein each opposing end section and saidintermediate section of each bail handle is connected by a ramp section.8. The closing cap of claim 7 wherein each ramp section is straight andinclined.
 9. The closing cap of claim 2 which further includes a firsttamper-evident member unitarily formed as part of each bail handlebetween the intermediate sections of each bail handle.
 10. The closingcap of claim 9 which further includes a second tamper-evident memberunitarily formed as part of each bail handle between the intermediatesections of each bail handle.
 11. The closing cap of claim 10 wherein afirst end of each bail handle is commonly joined to a first hingesection.
 12. The closing cap of claim 11 wherein a second end of eachbail handle is commonly joined to a second hinge section.
 13. Incombination: a closure for a container, said closure including anextendable spout and an outer portion constructed and arranged forattachment to said container; and a unitary threaded closing cap for aclosure comprising: a body including a sidewall and a top panel; and atleast one bail handle unitarily joined to said body and beingconstructed and arranged to be lifted from a close condition to a raisedposition, said at least one bail handle being arranged in threesections, including a contoured intermediate section and opposing endsections, the contoured intermediate section including a raised portionthat extends above said top panel when said at least one bail handle isin said closed condition, said raised portion including an undersurfacewhich cooperates with said body to define a clearance space therebetweenwhen said at least one bail handle is in said closed condition.
 14. Thecombination of claim 13 wherein said extendable spout is externallythreaded for receipt of said threaded closing cap.
 15. The combinationof claim 13 which further includes a second bail handle unitarily joinedto said body and being constructed and arranged to be lifted from aclose condition to a raised position, said second bail handle beingarranged in three sections, including a contoured intermediate sectionand opposing end sections, the contoured intermediate section includinga raised portion that extends above said top panel when said second bailhandle is in said closed condition, said raised portion including anundersurface which cooperates with said body to define a clearance spacetherebetween when said at least one bail handle is in said closedcondition.
 16. The combination of claim 15 which further includes afirst tamper-evident member unitarily formed as part of each bail handlebetween the intermediate sections of each bail handle.
 17. Thecombination of claim 16 which further includes a second tamper-evidentmember unitarily formed as part of each bail handle between theintermediate sections of each bail handle.
 18. In combination: acontainer having a wall portion defining an opening; a closure for saidcontainer, said closure including an extendable spout and an outerportion constructed and arranged for attachment to said container; aretainer securing said closure to said container wall portion; and aunitary threaded closing cap for a closure comprising: a body includinga sidewall and a top panel; and at least one bail handle unitarilyjoined to said body and being constructed and arranged to be lifted froma close condition to a raised position, said at least one bail handlebeing arranged in three sections, including a contoured intermediatesection and opposing end sections, the contoured intermediate sectionincluding a raised portion that extends above said top panel when saidat least one bail handle is in said closed condition, said raisedportion including an undersurface which cooperates with said body todefine a clearance space therebetween when said at least one bail handleis in said closed condition.
 19. The combination of claim 18 whichfurther includes a second bail handle unitarily joined to said body andbeing constructed and arranged to be lifted from a close condition to araised position, said second bail handle being arranged in threesections, including a contoured intermediate section and opposing endsections, the contoured intermediate section including a raised portionthat extends above said top panel when said second bail handle is insaid closed condition, said raised portion including an undersurfacewhich cooperates with said body to define a clearance space therebetweenwhen said at least one bail handle is in said closed condition.
 20. Thecombination of claim 19 which further includes a first tamper-evidentmember unitarily formed as part of each bail handle between theintermediate sections of each bail handle.
 21. The combination of claim20 which further includes a second tamper-evident member unitarilyformed as part of each bail handle between the intermediate sections ofeach bail handle.
 22. The combination of claim 21 wherein said retainerincludes an inner wall and wherein as initially assembled a portion ofeach tamper-evident member is positioned adjacent said inner wall.